YENG CONSTANTINO: LAPIT!

This gonna be Yeng's another torch lit so bright which speaks of her musical blithe when it comes to her industry and creativity. This time it's official, it's Yeng's mental prowess and yeasty hands that mold another music brainchild, her third album yet to come when this interview has been done.

Yeng witnessed to herself how she solidly dedicated herself penning the songs, I mean, all the songs on her latest album, all-original. Wow, that's talent par excellence!

In her album, strictly no revivals, no substitutes, no copy-cats. Perhaps, at the album's release, you can see every piece of her in every track, and every drop of her creative juice fueling riffs and drives of her songs.

Yeng never take it to her shoulder that she would be given the leeway spell her own songs into album, she just kept spinning the wool, 'till she was actually weaving it to what it is now. After all for her, it's like waking up from a dream holding the hood of reality that your dreams came true actually. Yeng dreamt and kicked ass with odds and oddities to make her dreams turn to reality.

Yeng attests, “Nu'ng una hindi ko talaga dinibdib o sineryoso na papayagan akong gumawa ng kanta sa album so medyo parang ginawa ko lang 'yung gusto ko sumulat lang ako ng kanta. Nu'ng time na may meeting na sinabi ko lahat ng gusto kong gawin. Walang revivals ako 'yung sumulat lahat - all originals lahat and sobrang happy ako. Dream come true ito sa akin. Ito talaga 'yung gusto kong gawin sumulat ng kanta. Nagawa ko 'yung first and second album pero iba 'yung ngayon e ako 'yung sumulat lahat. Nai-share ko talaga 'yung passion kong sumulat at mai-share 'yung nararamdaman ko sa mga tao 'yun 'yung satisfaction ko as a musician.”

She never forgets to mention few of her departures in creating the album, mentioning “Mark The Spot” of Sandwich wherein the vocal himself was the producer of the album, Raymund Marasigan. “Mahilig talaga akong makinig ng album ng Sandwich 'yung Mark the Spot. 'Yung una nilang album gustung-gusto ko po talaga. Pinapakinggan ko si Julianne. Ang galing n'yang mag-gitara at sumulat ng kanta. May CD pa niya ako sa bahay. Nakikinig ako ng mga Blink 182, New Found Glory, Taking Back Sunday mga gan'un kapag wala akong ginagawa. So parang naa-absorb ko siguro 'yun,” she points out.

More on her...


ON THE RECORD

What is the title of your new album? How many tracks?
Wala pa kakatapos pa lang naming mag-photo shoot kahapon (September 07). Ten tracks and may bonus track na raw recording na puro original songs. Si kuya Raymund Marasigan 'yung nag-produce ng album so sobrang saya ko. Isa pa 'yun sa nagbigay kulay sa kabuuan ng album. Akala ko last na 'yung gumawa kami ng kanta nu'ng Christmas kasi gumawa kami ng kanta under ng management nila 'ah siguro ito na 'yung collaboration namin ni Raymund ang saya saya ko na yehey!' pangarap ko talagang maka-jam siya pero 'di ko akalaing siya ang magpro-produce ng album ko na papayagan ako ng management na siya ang mag-produce kaya tuwang-tuwa talaga ako nu'ng meeting talaga isang bagsakan sinabi ko sa boss ko sa Star Records na kung p'wedeng ako ang sumulat ng lahat ng kanta so nilakasan ko na lang loob ko. Tuwang-tuwa po ako kasi pinayagan nila ako kasi ang tagal kong kinabahan kung papayagan ba ako.

What is your new album is all about?
Para siyang diary. Parang isinusulat ko lang 'yung bawat experiences na nararanasan ko. Lahat ng gusto kong sabihin nasasabi ko through my lyrics. Masaya kasi parang ibang way para i-express ang sarili.

Which song on the album is a representation on how much have you grown as a musician all these years?
Hindi ko naman masasabi na talagang magaling ako or whatever. Hindi ko rin masabi kung talagang nag-improve ako as a songwriter or as a singer pero sa tingin ko kung “Huwag Na” 'yung kanta namin ng mga ka-banda ko ang pinakalove kong kanta sa album. Iba 'yung pakiramdam nu'ng ginawa ko 'yun. 'Yun 'yung gusto kong sabihin lalo na sa kaibigan ko. Kung iiyak ka mauubos din ang luha mo kaya tumahan ka na lang. Para 'yun sa best friend kong babae. Iba 'yung beat, iba 'yung feel. Hindi siya 'yung “Hawak Kamay”, hindi siya 'yung “Salamat”. Sana pakinggan nila. Bili kayo ng album ko. (smiles)

Did you feel any pressure having to produce another hit album, because first two albums were a success?
Before parang iniisip ko 'yun e lalo na bago ko gawin 'yung album sabi ko 'ano kaya ang gagawin ko para maging iba ito sa lahat ng ginawa ko for the past years?' Pero parang hindi kasi marami akong natutunan kay Raymund e. Sinabi niya sa akin na hindi price 'yung magka-hit ka bonus lang 'yun actually 'yung price 'yung ginagawa mo na nagpe-perform ko sa harap ng maraming tao kasi 'yun 'yung passion mo e, 'yun 'yung price nandoon ka na e so 'pag nagkaroon ka ng hit sobrang malaking bonus na 'yun. Nagising ako d'un 'yun nga naman 'yung gusto kong gawin wala na akong mahihiling pa kasi nai-share ko 'yung music ko sa maraming tao. Gusto ko lang talagang maiparinig 'yung mga ginagawa kong kanta.

Did you have a specific idea about what kind of sound you wanted to pursue this time around?
Siguro si Raymund na 'yung nag-iba ng tunog ko kasi iba siya gumawa e. Ako rin e medyo nanibago rin ako e pero kapag iba-iba 'yung producer maiiba rin 'yung sound mo. 'Yung first two albums ko iba 'yung producer kaya iba rin 'yung tunog. Iba 'yung sound ko kasi medyong may kahalong ispirito ni Raymund. Medyo nagkaroon ng flavor. Magaling talaga siya. Isa siya sa mga hinahangaan kong musicians sa bansa natin.

What did you learn from your early experiences making music and were you able to apply these lessons with your new album?
Ang pinakamalaking lesson na natutunan ko ay mahalin lang talaga ang ginagawa ko kasi kapag nalunod ka sa limelight makakalimutan mo na 'yung totoong ikaw e. Dapat thankful ka lagi. Sobrang nakakatuwa lalo na kapag nagpupunta ako sa ibang bansa para mag-perform sa mga kababayan natin sa ibang bansa. Balak ko din makapag-tour sa Asia bukod sa mga Filipino crowds.

Among the songs on the album, which is the most challenging to record? Why?
“Lapit” kasi parang pakiramdam ko 'yun 'yung sinasabi sa akin ni God. Nahirapan akong kantahin siya. Umiyak pa nga ako sa studio kasi parang hindi ko kayang kantahin. Ginawa ko 'yung kanta pero parang pinaparingan niya ako. Kasi minsan parang nararamdaman mong walang nakikinig sa'yo. Na wala ng pag-asa pero 'yung kantang 'yun sinasabi niyang d'yan ka nagkakamali kasi meron talagang nakikinig sa'yo. Nakikinig siya kung gusto mo lang talagang lumapit sa kanya. Medyo nahirapan ako kasi nu'ng nirecord 'yun parang may pinagdadaanan ako. Ang ganda pa ng areglong ginawa nila kuya Raymund. Ang pinaka masayang part na album making sa tingin ko 'yung proseso na from scratch nandoon ako. Demo pa lang kami na ni kuya Rayms 'yung gumagawa. Doon kami sa bahay n'ya nagre-record ng demo. Nu'ng nasa studio na demo pa rin 'tas nilagyan na ng drums as in naririnig ko. May input talaga alam mo 'yung hindi ka naka-kahon kasi hinihingi 'yung ideas ko. Ngayon talaga hands-on ako sa album na ito. I'm much happier now kasi parang sa lahat may input ako.

Are there any songs in particular that you’re really proud of writing?
“Hawak Kamay” kasi lagi kong sinasabi ito kasi ako 'yung gumawa sa “Hawak Kamay” parang siya 'yung gumawa sa akin. Kung wala siguro 'yung song na 'yun hindi siguro ako nakilala. Sinulat ko 'yun nu'ng 14 years old ako. Sa church ko pa unang kinanta 'yung song na 'yun. Parang paglabas ko ng Pinoy Dream Academy nagulat ako bakit kinakanta ng tao 'yung kanta ko. Sobrang nakakagulat. Blessing sa akin 'yung song para makapasok ako ng malalaking hakbang sa music industry. Sobrang proud ako sa song na 'yun kasi anak ko 'yun.

How easy or difficult for you to do this new disc?
Hindi naman kasi ang ginawa ko lang sumulat ng kanta hindi naman nila ako pinilit hindi nga nila ako binigyan ng topic e. Basta sulat lang ako ng sulat ganoon lang. Isa sa favorite songs ko sa album 'yung “Jeepney Love Story” kasi hindi talaga ako nakakasulat before ng sobrang masayang kanta. Tungkol siya sa babaeng na-inlove habang nakasakay siya ng jeepney. Love at first sight. Nakakatawa lang talaga kasi sobrang iba talaga siya sa “Hawak Kamay” at sa “Salamat”

How does this new album reflects your personality?
Makikita talaga nila lahat hindi ko masabi kong ano 'yung specific na personality ko. Lahat maririnig nila dito. Hindi ako naniniwalang may isang karakter lang ang tao. Sa tingin ko lahat ng tao may side na ganito, may bad side pero sa akin may side akong childish, minsan naman sobrang mature so maririnig nilang lahat iyan.

What can your fans look forward to in regards to this new disc?
Sa tingin ko naging ibon ako sa album na ito. Sobra malaya, lipad lang ako ng lipad. Maririnig nila 'yung Yeng na hindi naka-kahon.


AS A SONGWRITER:

What exactly inspired you to write all your new songs on the album?
Lahat ng experiences ko 'yun lang. (laughs)

Do you ever sit down with the intention of writing a song, or do you wait for songs to come to you?
May mga projects ako like theme songs ng Knowledge Channel, uupo talaga ako para isulat siya hindi ko siya aabangan kasi proyekto 'yun pero kung mga kanta may mga times na flowing lang. May mga times na hindi mo na mapigilan 'yung lyrics 'tas hindi mo naman maisulat kasi basta para na lang nagpa-flash parang baril.

As a song writer, is there a particular artist that you want to write a song for his/her album?
Si Sharon Cuneta kasi gusto kong sumulat ng kanta para sa kanya kasi gusto ko 'yung boses n'ya. Gusto ko rin sumulat ng kanta para kina Rachelle, Sarah, sa mga kasama ko sa ASAP. Gusto kong mag-improve. Gusto kong ma-explore 'yung different genres ng music.

How has your band helped you with regards to song writing?
'Yung music naming magkakabanda is more of my music. Pero 'pag magkakasama kasi kami iba 'yung tunog namin e kasi kapag kasama ko sila nandoon ako sa comfort zone ko sapat na 'yun kapag nagpe-perform ako.

It’s been a while since your last album. Why the break?
Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit gan'un pero nu'ng mga panahong 'yun sumusulat lang ako ng mga kanta n'ung mga panahong hindi pa ako naglalabas ng album. Happy ako kasi ayan nandiyan na. (laughs)

What’s the most you’ve spent on one thing if you’re treating yourself?
Traveling siguro. Wala naman akong luho bukod sa gitara ko. Ay'un na ang pinakamahal na nabili ko sa buong buhay ko. Regalo ko 'yun sa sarili ko nu'ng 19th birthday ko.

You’re too busy now, but what do you like to do when you have some spare time?
Maglaro ng video games, manuod ng horror movies, magpunta ng mall at manuod din ng movies, mag-shopping, before nagba-badminton ako pero tumigil ako kasi may asthma ako, mahilig akong magbasa ng mga inspirational books, nagko-collect ako ng mga Anime DVDs, mahilig ako sa Hunter X Hunter, Flame of Recka at Ghost Fighter. Kapag matagal ko ng hindi napanuod inuulit ko ulit. Favorite ko si Kidua ng Hunter X Hunter. Siya 'yung pinaka-gusto ko sa lahat – ang angas at ang pogi n'ya. Marami rin akong collections ng stuffed toys. Bisitahin 'yung pamangkin ko si Baby Tad.

What’s the next important challenge ahead for you?
Na magtagal sa business. Hindi lahat Sharon Cuneta, hindi lahat sir Gary Valenciano, hindi lahat Rivermaya, hindi lahat Parokya Ni Edgar, hindi lahat The Dawn, 'yun ang pinaka-challenge sa akin ay 'yung habang buhay ako tumugtog sa harap ng maraming tao, i-share 'yung music ko, Ito talaga 'yung gusto kong gawin. Hindi ko na-imagine sarili kong nagta-trabaho sa loob ng opisina.

Other things you do outside music.
Gusto kong mag-schooling. Kumuha na ako ng application. Sana pumasa ako sa examination. Iniisip ko pa kung anong course ang gusto ko. Gusto ko kasing maging normal na bata. Gusto kong makipag-socialize sa mga ka-age ko. Gusto kong magkaroon ng mga barkadang babae. Tinatarget kong ikutin ang buong Asia at 'pag birthday ko na gusto kong pumunta ng Egypt kasi d'un naglakad sila Moses papuntang Jerusalem gusto kong makita 'yung lugar kung saan sila nag-cross makarating lang sa promise land na binigay sa kanila ni God.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

RICO BLANCO - FROM THE ASHES!

He owns the third hit single blazing the entire OPM chart, “Antukin” which literally means “sleepy” yet his career did never sleeps, just for once though. After he was detached from his former band, he came back to reattach with himself like the rising of the phoenix from the ashes, burning, flaming and soaring with his first single “Yugto” - triumphantly heralding it “...lumiyab ka!”

In a nutshell at this momentum Rico has tripartite hit domination claiming considerable airwaves supremacy, namely: “Yugto,” “Your Universe” and “Antukin.”

His third single “Antukin” which is rolling on films as a music video under the directorial baton of Treb Montreras, is as expected, hits every silver screen there is.

While Antukin is rolling vivid on screen, Warner Music Philippines’ are embarking for a bigger expanse of Rico Blanco's musical tentacles. Come sooner the Southeast Asian release of Your Universe (Rico's first solo album) with additional packages, and, of course, an international dream is almost done.

Rico is busy humming in his universe with consecutive tours, promotions, guesting and concerts. Would he dared missed some award giving bodies and concerts events such as NU107 Rock Awards 2008, MYX MO 2008, and MTV Music Summit 2008. Here he would be the first one to set foot on the rock and roll arena and the last one to step out of it. He would rule out to commence the event and take the last whip as a finale.

Somewhere out there he has set foot on Singaporean soil to wow audiences of different respects, such as one he has done at the prestigious mall, Esplanade Mall last April 25, 2009 at the same country.

Nonetheless, on our record and pictorial sessions he is a little less than a celebrity and a musical demigod, he's downright fitting himself on every reflex of our lens and on every job we do he called 'art.' While wiping himself dry after he uncoils the coat against that artificial rain we ourselves made for a big part on the cover of your OPM Authority, he himself realized just like anybody thinks – earning a leaving is a hard-won reality.

We eased out few questions for him. This time it's all about 'up there' – his religious well-being. He opens the door for it, “I suppose the normal Filipino the way it would play in a normal Filipino family. We pray before going to bed tabi-tabi kami ng siblings ko. Tapos once a week you hear mass. 'Pag 6 o'clock we pray the Angelus with our lola tapos s'yempre sa school.” That was then, but now he checked hi spiritual regimen saying, “I try to pray as often as I can before going to sleep. As much as I can but sometimes I forget.”

So what if we know that he reads the Bible on irregular bases, I presume everybody does, save those who really made it to as expected. He notes when asked about the Bible, “Not anymore not regularly. There are times that I read regularly, every day before matulog pero that was a long time ago. But then again I think a few years back. So on and off ang relationship ko.” The natural reflex of our expectation is that, if religion plays a rule in musical career? Oh, yeah at least there is, he tell us, “Ah may times na may influence but mas general 'yung influence n'ya sa akin as a person.” Being a rock artist it's not that consuming really, “not at all. It's way bigger than my music.”

I slithered one question amidst few of my mates throwing him questions after questions. Positing a seemingly polarized inquisition on his faith's realm, did it ever come to him that he doubted God's existence? He hits back, “No, siguro 'yung ano lang religious doubt. I think you theoretically question it sometimes pero sa tingin ko deep in my heart I never doubted it.”


TICK TACK TALK

What makes you happy?
Peace of mind.

What's your favorite Blanco song?
I still don't have an answer to that question after all these years. It's hard to choose. Every song is special so I love all of them.

Do you find it comfortable being called an icon?
I don't even know what people mean when they call me that.

When you write songs, do you try to consciously guide the meaning or do you try to follow subconscious directions?
I think both.

What kind of music is trying to influence you these days?
Other people's music hasn't influenced me that much anymore these days because matagal nang tapos 'yung formative years ko ng music. So I learn little things but the influence of those songs would hardly make a dent compared to the influence of everything that I've listened to in my whole life. You know, if I hear a new song now it might inspire me for a while to write a new song or it might make me sing a long or dance but it doesn't gonna affect the way I write my own music. No new music has been able to do that.

Is being a rock artist a choice?
Well at this point yes everyday is a choice to do what you want to do or not do something. In the beginning it's a choice but some things happen by accident too so it's a combination.

Do you listen to the radio these days?
Sometimes I do when I drive it's on the background but I listen more to my old CDs. I still like the sound of the recordings on CDs. I can hear the difference if it's in MP3.

How do you feel about pop music?
It's hard to find a music that is different from my music because I play pop music. My music is pop so it's hard to find something that is totally different. I'm not an expert when it comes to genres or labels. To me there is only good and bad music.

What is your classification of good music and bad music?
Hopefully I called them groove music, subjective siya eh. Music that I like and music that I don't like.

What's your take on songs that's been tagalized?
I actually enjoyed that. Before it's even been release I ask them to burn a copy for me because it really made me laugh. Me and my nieces made me laugh. I played it for them we are just having a great time in the car. I played it to then for the first time, I ask for a burn copy from a record label and I was just laughing. And my nieces when in the car with me one time and I told them 'hey, listen to this'. They were laughing so hard. I haven't heard them laugh that hard. I was saying is that music is subjective. You might not like something but it brings happiness to other people, so respeto lang.

As a songwriter, do you ever sit down with the intention of writing a song, or do you wait for songs to come to you?
Both. There is no definite time when I write songs.

What's the next important challenge ahead that you are embarking for?
Well, there is the regional release of the album. I added two new songs. I'm excited for that and the label is excited for that as well. They've asking for that album since last year and I think I'm a little late submitting the songs but then hinihintay na raw ng fans outside the Philippines.

How much preparations in the regional release of your “Your Universe”?
Like I said, I wrote a couple of new songs pinalitan natin 'yung mga Tagalog songs sa album para mas accessible sa kanila. All English except for Yugto because they want that song to retain as is. I'm not sure if Your Universe pa rin 'yung title.

What do you want to accomplish musically as you go solo?
To have a great time.

What made you decide to go solo after leaving your former band?
I think it's already covered on your previous interviews. But yeah, things just happened and to a certain degree events just took place and we reacted to them but to a certain degree and decisions were also made. I want to take responsibility for all my decisions. I decided to go on a vacation not knowing what I would do next, not knowing if I will come back and do music again and also I decided after about a year that I would come back and do music again.

Since you just have sessionist musician right now, any plans to put up your own band?
No I think being in a band is already half of my life for 15 years. It's time to do other things. I tried that already and it was fun. I had a great time being in a band. So it's time to have fun in a different way naman.

As a songwriter, is there a particular artist or band that you want to write a song for his/her album?
I would like to write songs for new artists. Fresh artists that we haven't heard of, that maybe they could sing really well. I'm more interested in discovering new talents. I think those who are famous don't need my help anymore.

What if we want to photo shoot the Rivermaya frontmen will you go? If no, why not?
No, I am done working under the Rivermaya banner. I've worked with them half of my life already I think that's enough. But if they wanna put my picture there, go ahead but to go for a photo shoot, I don't think so plus I think it's unfair for the band now. Nakakahiya sa kanila makikisawsaw pa ako sa Rivermaya name.

What else do you want to say to those people who still disappointed and mad at you when you left the band?
I'm sorry. I'm very sorry and I'm really sorry. This is a sincere apology. I'm still hope that they would understand but if not, I'm really sorry.

Anything that you'd like to share about your upcoming album?
Well, I have new songs there that I'm really excited to share to all the fans. Wala pang new album sa mga nasasabik na with new materials kesa maghintay ng matagal para sa new album nag-share ako ng new songs. I think baka may kasamang music videos pero hindi pa ako sure. I think a lot of people wants to have a copy of the music videos, so there.

With all the accolades and accomplishments that Rico Blanco has already achieved, what else do you want to achieve?
Ako, I'm very thankful na sobra-sobra y'ung blessings na dumarating. Talagang I owe all those awards to all the people who supported and featured me on the magazines and the radio stations who played my songs. Hindi naman ninyo ako ilalagay sa magazines n'yo kung wala sila. Lahat y'un ibinigay sa akin. I'm really thankful to Lord God, sobra-sobra na y'un. Sa akin gusto ko lang gumawa ng music 'coz I wanna share my songs, I enjoy performing, singing and makes people happy.

Any music that you're listening to lately that somehow influenced you as a musician?
Iyan nga ang problema ko eh. Wala ng bago na major y'ung influence sa akin. Siguro, ma-i-inspired lang or mapapasayaw, mapapakanta ako or mapapa-awit ako, pero y'ung bang ma-influence ako kung paano ako as a musician medyo marami nang nag-contribute d'un over the years eh. Kung may bago pa, parang 'drop in the ocean' eh, oceans na y'ung influence ko 'di na mababago halos.

Who is Rico Blanco now?
Ayun, siya pa rin. The same guy you met way back in January 2007. If anything that I'm more appreciative of life now, like everyone I still have problems but I like my outlook now. S'yempre nalulungkot at nagagalit pa rin minsan. S'yempre tao lang pero mas siguro napagsasabihan ko na ang sarili ko ngayon na h'wag masyado pumunta doon sa dilim.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

BILLY CROWFORD - DANCES TO THE GROOVE

Coast to coast, Billy Joe Crawford as what I've known him since childhood, has proven his worth in his musical advocacy by surfing over life's hurdle and therefore sustained his career for years now, here and abroad.

Billy in the first place is an international artist. He keeps ringing a bell at foreign coast with his chart topping records. Had anybody been there with the same feat, would probably stay, think twice or as what Billy did, turn back to where he first made his baby steps with here in the Philippines.

Billy Crawford had been a familiar tot on the Philippine cinema before he took flight bound for USA for pretty long years of stay working out his heart's desire. He has been seen on some local films together with some other toddlers of his age which are also seldom appearing on showbiz limelights now.

He was born of a half-Spanish and half-Filipina mother, Mayette and an American father, Jack. Billy began lighting the torch of his career since three years old singing on a bowling alley where his mother used to visit. Years onwards, he has his regular sprint on That’s Entertainment, a famous talent development program by one of the nation's television giants. He made a careful balance between career and academic life. He attended school at the International Christian Academy. When he was eleven years, he made it to the foreign coast where he scribed his musical history and a story to tell later on.

Billy Crawford has spined seven albums since the dawn of his recording, respectively: Billy Crowford (1999), Trackin (2001), Ride (2001), Big City (2004), Big City Tour Live (2005), It's Time (2008) and now on a platter, not unless your bills made it to the counter and the packaging.

His debut album runs from successful to not so successful one. He made a break afterwards, for at least a year to mend few things and to take an obstinate stance for more on in journey.

The sophomore “Trackin” however pulls him to the second level where it became platinum became chart toppers in some other countries in Europe such as Netherlands (#1), Belgium (#2), Switzerland (#3) and Germany (#20). His album “Ride” on the other hand, rides on to various charts with considerable sales marking it platinum once again specially on French market. His “Big City” album consecutively hits big too. Considering it was produced by big guys of American recording such as Kovas, who made some production with Justine Timberlake, Chris Brown, Shakira and other artists. This also ushered to his “Big City Tour Live” album with pouring applause. And of course, his fourth studio album “It's Time” is waiting its perfect time for a shot on the chart.

This time, it's groovy. The album “Groove,” grooves with hits from the 70s to 80s such as Michael Jackson, Robbie Dupree, Andrew Gold and more. Besides the groovy tracks (with collaboration of the present date and love interest Nikki Gil), you'll have a literally fat and hefty digitally mastered strong crimson packaging with him on a hovering chair. Better check that out!

Now it's official! We've met him, talked with him, grooved with him, face to face and skin to skin. It's a “mission possible” as usual just for you from your own OPM Music Authority – Pinoy. Nonetheless, it's a long story and a lot of nerve before he fell snapped into our lens and rolled into our recording cassette. Now he's talking...


GROOVY ALBUM TALKS

The album “Groove” seems to orchestrate with its production according to Billy. It was hewed oversees and was done smooth. “Well, actually it was quick. We recorded the album within a month. The production came pretty much overseas, in the States. It's all cover songs. Other than that, mabilis naman 'yung process ng album, it's under Universal Records.” As smooth as it is, choosing songs is bit slow, because there are lots to chose from! “Well actually, sobrang daming choices. Pero ang kinuha ko medyo familiar sa ka-age group ko at familiar sa mga bata din. Sino ba naman ang hindi nakakaalam ng mga kanta ni Michael Jackson or Earth, Wind & Fire. So 'yung choices ng kanta ang dami at first, hindi namin alam kung anong direction and ano ang gagawin namin. Pero at the end of the day 'yung nagpipin-point kami kung ano ang babagay sa akin or anuman ang kaya kong kantahin kasi honestly hindi ko naman kayang gawin mga Stevie Wonder songs dahil hindi naman ako gan'un ka soul or r&b. So kinuha lang namin parang pop, dance and pop-ballad.”


Any instruments that you played on this album?
Wala, wala. Medyo ngarag eh dahil kailangan matapos ito bago mag-tour with Sarah (Geronimo) sa States so binilisan namin 'yung process.

Can you describe the vibe of this new record?
Well the album is called “Groove”. So 'yung vibe is, all the songs that you can groove to which is you know you can dance and groove to love songs, you can groove to up-tempo. Well, it's not all ballad actually. When you listen to the first four songs you have “Rock With You”, “Sexy Eyes”. Hindi naman siya ballad eh, 'yung mga ballads lang naman towards the end like “One Last Cry”, “Someone” kahit “Lovely Day” medyo mid-tempo pa rin siya. So may iba't-ibang groove, hindi naman siya totally ballad.

Can you tell us something about your first single, “Steal Away”?
Well “Steal Away” wasn't on top of my list at first. Pero nagustuhan naman ng crowd and media at one point. One thing that I've realized kapag gagawa ka naman ng album especially kapag cover songs kailangan mo namang gawin to please them (listeners) 'di ba? And also be happy naman sa performance s'yempre. So kung magustuhan naman ng age group ng mga nanay, tatay and matra-transfer ko naman 'yung music na p'wedeng mag-match sa mga bata so why not. Kaya that's why “Steal Away” is one of the crossing points on the album.

How did you motivate yourself for that song?
Well, I think every song express itself in a certain way. And ako naman, I just try to expose to original as possible. Tapos babaguhin ko, ibibigay ko lang naman kung ano ang nararamdaman ko kapag nagpi-perform. Vocally produce din naman ito ni Marcus Davis, which is kano. He's a black guy and we talk and listen to the song continously and then we just go parang free nalang.

When was the last time you released an album?
My last album was 2003 or 2004 something but I never release a cover song album.

You had your last album in 2004; it's been like 5 years now. What took you so long to release another album?
Well this is just a local release. So this is nothing going out in the States or France or anywhere else. And well requested naman ng mga tao na sana gumawa ako ng album. Kaya pinag-isipan namin. When Universal Records approached me to do an album since they're the ones who released “Bright Lights.” N'ung sinabi nila na cover songs, s'yempre as a soloist and as an artist na nagsusulat parang nawalan ako ng gana. Pero you know you have to adopt back to the culture natin, ito ang gusto ng mga tao. At saka n'ung nakita ko naman ang tiwala ng Universal sa akin ibinigay ko na rin ang trust ko.

What is the main difference between "Groove" from your previous releases?
First of all its cover songs. So it's completely different to my previous albums. It's not as urban or as R&B which I normally do. Pero it's still high energy and I think vocally, I explore a little bit more than I did sa mga past albums ko.

What was the most challenging part of making this new disc?
I think singing “Mercy, Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye. That's one of the most challenging songs, because as Pinoy to sing Marvin Gaye song is really not easiest thing to do it's just like what I've said if I were to choose to sing between Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson of course I'm gonna say Michael Jackson. Not because hindi ko makakayanan ang Stevie Wonder, pero ang “Mercy, Mercy Me” thank God I had Marcus with me, he's a black guy from L.A. And he has a lot of soul. It's one of my favorite songs on the album.

Other things you want to share or add more about this newest offering?
I think it's one of a kind for a cover album. It's not typical songs na ballads plus makikita mo naman ang packaging ng Universal, it's unique and one of a kind. 'Yung choices ng songs I think it's definitely well thought of. As I said 'yung credibility ng Universal and I, makikita at maririnig mo naman, so I think I can rotch for it. Hindi naman ako gagawa ng album na hindi ako komportableng gawin so I'm very happy.

So how is it like going back to Universal Records since your last album was from MCA-Universal right?
Well I was from BMG, Universal, MCA then Universal again. MCA came out a year and a half with “It's Time.” It's an all original album pero umalis kasi ako. So I didn't really promote and hindi ko na push through. Now that I am here, I'm doing what I do. At maganda naman ang market ng ABS-CBN sa akin, so why not. And 'yung Universal nga when they came up na gusto nilang gawin ito at first alanganin ako pero sa sobrang galing ng pagkakagawa nila sa “Bright Lights” dati kaya I trusted them. 'Yun lang actually ang na plugged dito.Ginawa pang dance competition 'yan at some point. 'Yung acceptance lang naman ng mga tao ang habol ko.

What's the response been from fans who have heard the new material?
Manager ko naman ang makakasagot n'yan eh (pointing to Arnold Vegafria who's beside him).
Maganda naman ata ang sales at pagtanggap ng mga tao.

Arnold Vegafria: They just released it last Sunday (May 10, 2009) now they just replenished orders. Actually I got a call from Kathleen Dy-Go (of Universal Records). They're very very happy with the results of the first distribution now they replenished it yesterday so naubos.

The packaging is very unique, tell us something about it.
Actually kapag natanggal mo 'yung CD sa likod, 'yung mga babae p'wede nilang gawing jewelry box kung gusto nila (laughing out loud). Kung wala ng silbi para gawin 'yun, tanggalin mo nalang lagyan mo na lang ng katol, okey na 'yun (laughs).

What's your personal favorite among all the songs?
“Mercy, Mercy Me” is actually one of my favorite songs on the album. Of course “Rock With You”, “Human Nature”, “Could It Be I'm Fallin' in Love”. And yeah, one of my favorite parts is the duet between me and Nikki Gil, “You've Got A Friend.”

You did a great rendition of “One Last Cry” which is one of our favorites, What's with that song?
Thank you. I think Brian McKnight is one of my favorite artists. Tuwang-tuwa ako n'ung nasa lists 'yun ng Universal eh kasi vice-versa. They gave me a whole big lists and tsineck ko kung ano ang mga gusto ko at gusto nila. At the end of the day nag-compromise kami, we needed a ballad daw. At one point may “All My Life”, a song that I have to do tapos parang hindi bagay then they said 'why don't we do 'One Last Cry' the acoustic version. Tapos sabi ko 'sige!' so pasok siya.

Any expectations for this new record?
Hopefully I expect success naman sa album. I really try to persuade people to buy real album not copied albums or bootleg copies or stuff like that. I think ang ini-expect ko, if all is well the first time it came out, until now and they just re-ordered again from all the stores, I think blessings naman, 'yun.

What can we expect more from Billy Crawford for this year?
I'll be touring around here and overseas. And I'll be having a concert with Akon this July 4, Independence Day of United States. We will be doing a concert together so that's one and then more promotions for the album of course.

And for your coming endeavors with and for this album, for the coming concerts and tandems with other artists, Pinoy Songmagazine extends a best regards to you.

And hey, break a leg!


THAT'S THE WAY HE GROOVES IT

For years, that he has been grooving his own thing on the floor, Billy aspires himself more like any other loud out there, not taking too much nor too less. Just only one thing about him. “...one thing I notice for myself is I always put a positive head on my shoulders just knowing a fact that there's always something to learn. I'm open to learn and to move on from my mistakes from before. So I think as a person and as an artist, I've grown a lot since the past 20 years that I'm doing it. You know, I've been in the industry for 23 years, so I think 'yung patience ko nand'yan. I'm a very patient and easy to work with and minsan siraulo lang pero okay lang 'yun. (smiles)”

What's the biggest misconception about you?
Hindi ko naman masasabi 'coz like what I've said for the past two years ang impression nila sa akin for fifteen years, na playboy ako, na babaero daw ako or stuff like that. Pero I can say that I've been around, I just bare share being young and exploring things. But I think I've grown up and matured a lot more. So hindi na totoo 'yung playboy playboy na 'yan, misleading na 'yun.

Whom do you want to work with in the future?
Of course there are always openings for artists to work with. Because as an artist you have to be a fan of other people din naman. I would love to work with Stevie Wonder.

How about for local artists?
Local artists? I would love to do a song with kuya Gary (Valenciano). I would like to do a song with, to change it just a bit with Kamikazee or something like that. If you've seen Eminem, you've seen all these hip-hop and R&B artists going rock and rock going hip-hop. I manage between the two so why not. Ang hindi ko lang magagawa is techno, 'yan ang hindi ko magagawa sa tanang buhay ko. Thank God at hindi tayo ka-adopt sa gan'un. Nakakasakit ng ulo 'yun (laughs).

For someone like you, how do you handle and deal with fame?
I never look myself as someone famous 'coz I always have more dreams. The more you accomplish your dreams, you will always have another dreams to go through. As someone doing well sa career naman, I think I am blessed because I have the right people around me. I am blessed that I have a positive head on me. I'm here to work and enjoy at the same time. 'Di ko naman masasabi na 'okay, trabaho lang ng trabaho. Patayin ko na lang ang sarili ko di ba?.' You have to enjoy and love what you do. And I don't think I can ask for more or do anything else apart from this. Maybe in the near future when I have a family and grow old I think but I have something to do behind the scene. I might do songwriting or still something to do with the industry.

How do you stay grounded with all the achievements?
May mga tao na katulad nito (pointing to his manager), sinisipa ako (laughs). No, I think one reason is to stay humble because I had a great support from my family. You know, I look up to my father and my mom. It's not easy for a 3 year old from a showbiz without the support of their parents from then on. Now I'm on my age and all by myself, I think that keeps me grounded.

You're good at music, acting, hosting and dancing--is there anything you're not good at?
I can't juggle with fire (laughs) that's one thing I can't do. Pero nagawa ko rin 'yun dati sa That's Entertainment (laughs). I can't play tennis. I do play basketball. I don't play soccer. I play baseball, American football, badminton. I race go carts. I sky dive. I think marami din naman ang hindi ko kayang gawin like you can't put me on the desk for 9 hours and work that way. 'Yun ang hindi ko kaya, so I gave so much respect to the people who worked from 9-5. And stays wee hours on the night and stays in front of their computers and deal with bosses and all that. Siguro 'yung patience ko na'to...ahhh. It doesn't do with music, it's hard.

How do you think you're evolving?
I think I'm evolving in a right decision. I'm being a little bit more creative on some pushing points where I never pushed before like doing a cover album. I never in a million years I thought that I'll be doing covers. D'un kasi sa States or sa Europe or anywhere else they're not really big for cover songs, it's all original songs. So I think it's a step into adapting sa culture natin sa 'Pinas, ito ang gusto ng mga tao ,so why not. There's a curiosity naman na 'kaya ba n'yang gawin ito?' . Hindi naman mawawala sa tao 'yun eh, kaya nga you have to buy it and listen to it so you can really judge the album naman. And you know I accept, disregard, people saying 'ay ang pangit naman or anything' because seriously as an artist, you have to accept negativity that comes with it. If you don't, you're not gonna grow. You will learn from your mistakes. And I think that's one of the reasons why I am still here. And one of the things I'm doing up until now is I challenge myself more and more. And I'm growing up as an artist.

What else do you want to achieve?
Gold medal lang sa Olympics (laughs). No, I think one of the things I wanna achieve is also success outside again aside from Philippines, going around to Latin countries. I've never been to Spain, to Italy market. I'm done all over Europe, I'm done in States, maybe go back again to States and do something again, you know. Maraming opportunities na kailangang tanggapin, but it comes with a lot of sacrifices also.

Is there anyone whose career you emulate, particularly someone like you who's
trying to bridge audiences and phases in your life?
What I think ang natutunan ko being an inspired artist like kuya Gary you know he's always been himself. As an artist, you have to go and be original. You can be influenced by all types of music and all kinds of artists. Pero ang mahanap mo ang sarili mo 'yun ang pinaka importante. I think ang career na longevity, that's what I look forward to not stardom na 'okay I have number #1 hit all over the place, all over the world. Where do I go from there?' So you know you have to grow, I think the step by step everyday d'un ako masaya.

You've been in the industry for a while. Do you have any advice for young artists?
I think one advice that I can tell them which I said a little earlier for inspiring artists you have to enjoy and love what you do and work on your craft. Kung anuman ang hilig mo if you're an artist, or painter or if you're a musician or anything like that, there's always a chance to go so you have to work at it. Ang pinaka importante d'un is you have to enjoy. You have to thank God for giving you that talent. You have to search kung ano ang mga talent mo. Patience lang talaga and hard work. I think all artists naman 'yun ang sinasabi. You have to be patient, it doesn't happen overnight. You have to impress, you need to show people that you can do it. Kung kaya mo naman gawin at nasa puso mo, okay at kung hindi ka robot okay lang 'di ba.

Can you share a sad experience before you made it big?
Like what I've said it all doesn't take a month or two months to become successful you know. It took me four and a half years to get time for a label. It took me a year and a half to at least break it into a Top 50 in France on that point. It took me three years to get the number #1 hit without riding it. It's a process hindi mo naman masasabi. One experience that I've had, that's really crazy was when I'm with the stage with Westlife and Blue, ito 'yung kalakasan nila. You know at that time, Backstreet Boys, 'NYSNC, boy bands are big and I was all by myself with dancers so hindi naman ako mabibigyan ng importansiya. Nilagay ako sa gitna, I was Billy Crawford then you have Westlife before me and then Blue after me. So 'yung pagdating ng tao sa akin 'sino 'yun?' Pero after you do your performance and after you showed them that you can do it d'un mo naman makukuha ang acceptance ng mga tao. Slowly it turns better and better.

You just celebrated your 27th birthday a few weeks ago. Do you have any goals you want to reach before you turn 30 in a few years' time?
'Wag nating pag-usapan 'yang thirty na 'yan, tagal pa 'yan (laughs). No, goals? I do wanna build a production company here in the Philippines. A production company not the one producing shows but music production where in making music and songwriting occur. But me, Jay-R, Kris Lawrence, Jimmy Muna and Marcus we are all kinda working in one team. I have studio at my house. Lahat naman kami, have our own recording studios at home. At kapag may ginagawa sila they'll always call, 'yo! come to the house, check this song out, ganito, ganyan'. We are always bragging to each other. So instead of bragging to each other, I was the one who told them 'why don't we start something. Kung may artist ka, paikutin mo 'yung artist mo sa production natin, sa mga writers natin then ilabas natin whether sa Japan, sa States, sa Europe or whereever.'

What's your typical day like without work?
Most of the time I play basketball kapag wala akong trabaho kung hindi kain ng kain, tulog. But most of the time kahit walang trabaho pinipilit ko nasa studio ako. I like listening to songs, buying CDs, nag-aaral ako ano ang uso at bakit popular iyan. It has to do something with work regardless there's no day off for me. Kung day off naman siguro, pahinga at shopping.


BILLY IS...

The biggest rumor about me that isn't true is: that I'm a gay. Ang tagal na n'un, kuya Germs day. Hindi ko kasi inaamin kung sino ang girlfriend ko. Sinabi sa akin 'bading si Billy.'

Okay, I admit it, I cried: recently, dealing with some personal problems.

I am totally addicted to: sneakers. No particular brand, all kinds of sneakers.

I was the most proud of myself when I: performed with Michael Jackson way back 1994.

The worst thing someone ever did to me was: to put you in a situation where should you weren't be.

The worst thing I've ever done was: lie.

The most personal song on my album is: Human Nature.

To me, love is: everything.

To me, sexiness: isn't important.

If I could go back and do it again, I'd change: my decision making on something personal.

I can best describe my sound as: me.

The worst outfit I ever wore was: tight leather pants.

If I could switch places with anyone, I'd want to be: my father.

Three things I look for in a girl are: lips, natural and good sense of humor.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

THE RETURN OF - THE WOLFGANG

Fans and followers alike, Wolfgang's return will blow your mind. With their hard-won musical achievements since 1996, who would dare not reminiscence these guys' vocal supremacy clashing like cymbals over fans' auditory faculties.

Like any other bands, Wolfgang has their own musical cup-of-tea shared to each and every one who likes to bet with their music. Their rock styles and renditions are uncompromising, their sincerity to their music is endearing and their camaraderie passes and passed through time's vexation.

It's just a matter of doing their own thing on the record and on the platform. It's about doing the songs they believed, and believing on the songs they do.

Wolfgang's laurels are objective evidences of their endeavor to share their musicality here and abroad. They've been heralded as Artist of the Year, circa 1996 and 1998, and Album of the Year 1999. With considerable cached popularity, they've been awarded with the Listeners Choice Award consecutively, 1996, 1998 and 1999. Add to that fact the bands pilot, Sebastian Artadi who holds four almost consecutively that they're active, Vocalist of the Year from 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Manuel Legarda on guitars has his own hits as Guitarist of the Year (1995 and 2001). Ramon Legaspi honored Basist of the Year during 1996.

Meanwhile, their new digitally packaged album called Villains is hot on the world wide web downloadable via respective sites. The album has been recorded on three cities: Manila, Hong Kong and San Francisco. Distance never thwarted their passion for some more to offer – and here it is at your fingertips!


How has the band grown?
MANUEL: I think each one of us has had time to listen or expose ourselves to some new music which -- in one way or another -- has influenced our playing and ultimately, the band dynamics. That and the inclusion of Francis on drums. Having said that, I think 'evolved' would be a better term.

How did your recording process work this time? Are there any differences compared to your previous albums?
MANUEL : Every album we did was a learning experience -- and “Villains” is the result of all those experiences. Also, by doing this on our own, we eliminated deadlines which allowed us time to fine-tune the song arrangements and mixes.

Now that you guys are back, does that increase the pressure and expectations for the band?
MANUEL : I try not to think about that but I guess it’s inevitable. I think that the pressure and expectations will really be more apparent for the next album.


Is there someone who influenced you to go back?
MANUEL : I think it was more a series of events rather than one person.

What are the factors did you consider to be in the scene again?
MANUEL : The only thing we thought about was whether we liked what we were writing. We never thought about the scene or what we would have to do to fit in again. It’s always been about putting out songs that we believe in.

Who are your all time favorite metal band?
MANUEL : For metal, it would be Ozzy (Randy era) and Megadeth. I listen to a whole bunch of others but these were very influential to me when I was starting out.

You guys continued to evolve as you moved into the recording of Villains. What were some of the influences in the creation of this record?
MANUEL : I was just going with my gut feeling – and, honestly, I can’t think of a particular name. I just know that from everything I've ever liked there is a collective thing in my head that I can draw from and expand upon. I can't speak for the other guys but I suspect it’s the same for them.

How did your time in Wolfgang impact the rest of your life?
RAMON: Personally, it really helped ease my mom's worries --that I was gonna end up with nothing to show for my years of trying to be a bass player. That made things easier for me to continue, knowing that it was cool with her. Thanks, mom!!

What are your feelings about the legacy of the group today?
MON : Never really thought about that -- but I'm very proud of what we've done, the songs we've written, the gigs we've played, how we've stuck to our style and not been swayed by the fads….everything!!!!... Maybe, except that time we were playing 2 different songs at once.....

You guys haven't been active here in the Philippines for several years. What brought about the rebirth of Wolfgang at this point in time?
MON: 7-year itch in the crotch?I think the '07 reunion gig really pushed it along, seeing that people didn't forget us and still wanted to listen to the songs, was a big inspiration for us to continue writing and playing our music for them. Thanks, guys!!!

What do each of you do for a living, beside music?
MON: I play for a cover band in Hong Kong, so it's more music for me. Basti, I think, works for a clothing company in the States. Manoy, hmmm... don’t really know what he's up to these days -- but he used to work for a recording facility. Francis runs the family business, not sure though.

If you had to pick 3 of the most memorable things over the course of your stay in the industry, they would be...?
MON: The “Jesus Christ Superstar” musical – it was very challenging to be in a totally different playing situation. We really gained tons of experience and discipline doing that gig. Playing in Japan and the U.S., of course, was very exciting. Meeting new people and getting a glimpse of their cultures really broadens your mind. The (first) time that we were awarded “Artist of the Year” -- I think it showed that people were taking notice of the band and that those years of practicing and writing stuff were starting to payoff.

Looking back (and not including the new album), what song do you think most defines the sound of Wolfgang and why?
MON: Personally, “Semenelin” would be my choice. I think it's the way the lyrics and the music work together, like one can envision scenes from a movie while listening to the words and the music enhances that story, like a soundtrack. We have a lot of stuff like that like “New Mother Nature” and “Bassarrab's Walk”, but “Semenelin” was the first and the other songs branched out from there.

Tell us your favorite song from the new album and why?
MON: “John of the Cross”, the cowboy thing happening with the intro and lyrics is just too cool. A different song concept… It was great the way Bas and Manoy put it together. Maybe we could get Clint Eastwood in the video doing a piano solo in the saloon...

Every movie seems to have that killer punchline that everyone associates with it. What would Wolfgang's punchline be?
BASTI : "Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make."

'Villains' is your 6th studio album right? Most bands (rarely) don't reach five records, what's your secret?
BASTI : An important thing is that we all still love the music that we’re making.It’s a very exciting moment when you sit back and listen to the full effect of an album you've spent the past 3 or 4 months listening to in bits and pieces -- and if you still get a thrill in that moment, it’s a beautiful thing.

Do you feel that having such amazing musicians in your band contributes to your success?
BASTI: YES!!!

All these years later, what do you think the appeal of Wolfgang is?
BASTI: Definitely, the songs. In the end, that’s what people are here for. For them – and that’s exactly what we feel, too -- it’s all about the songs.

Are there any bands around today that you think need to be put in their place? What about them do you find so reprehensible?
BASTI: No, I think everyone has a right to play whatever music they like as long as they enjoy playing it. Who am I to say anything different?

Random question: What bands made you want to be in a band?
BASTI: Rock was what made me love music.I will listen to rock until the day I die. What made me want to be in a band was when I went up for the first time and played in front of a crowd and I got that rush from them singing the songs with me. I haven’t looked back since.

What are your feelings on piracy, Internet or otherwise?
BASTI: Live with it -- because there ain’t nothing you can do to stop it…and just hope your fans have the sense and the decency to pay for what you worked very hard to create.

Random question: Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
FRANCIS: Jim Morrison. I'd serve him adobo and happy brownies. Hehehe.

Is there a line that keeps running through your head. Like a personal creed or motto?
FRANCIS : Stick to the fight when you're hardest hit. It’s when things seem worst, that you must not quit. =)

Any records besides Wolfgang records that really matter to you?
FRANCIS: Of course. And there are a lot.

Random question: If you could have played on any of your songs before your time which would they be?
FRANCIS: ‘Roadworthy Man’ would be the song.

Something you want to do, but haven't done yet.
FRANCIS : Greet Hugh Laurie and ask him if I'm sick.

What is there left to do? What's the dream?
FRANCIS: One of the remaining dreams is to be able to sky dive.


Some additional background:

WOLFGANG has consistently reaped critical praise, named “Artist of the Year” (1998, 1996), “Album of the Year” (1999), and individual awards for excellence at the influential NU 107 Rock Awards each time they have released an album: with lead vocals Sebastian Artadi holding the record for four “Vocalist of the Year” awards (2000, 1999, 1998, 1996), unsurpassed to this date. Manuel Legarda has been recognized as “Guitarist of the Year” twice (2001 and 1995) and Ramon Legaspi has been named “Bassist of the Year” (1996). Wolfgang has also received popular acclaim with “Listeners Choice” awards (1999, 1998, and 1996.)

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

JED MADELA; DISCOVERS REDISCOVERED 2

Jed Madela, the young blood behind the voice that lures thousand ships! Common testimony and sentiments admires his voice with their two feet nailed perpendicular on the floor crowning him with a round of applause, all hail the voice! Just like a bachelor's summa cum laude – with great praise.

Jed started turning the pages of his life at the “Dinagyang” capital of the country, Iloilo city where he was born. He started exploring the musical horizons of his life as soon as he knew that he has an endowment of it. Nonetheless, his giftedness in music doesn't exhausted him enough, his interest in visual arts add further color and energy to his musical apostolate. He draws, paints and sketch during slack time and do artful finish in his house as well as the stage for his concert. He have been into a band for fun sometime in his life. Not until he has stepped into the shores of Manila that he was discovered by a talent scout when he was asked by a singer-friend to jam with him.

From then on, Jed just got to be unstoppable; conquering shores after shores, reminiscing souls after souls, reaching stars after stars and Filipinos' pride after pride.

Perhaps, one of Jed Madela's greatest hits is his domination of the 2005 World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) held at Hollywood, California, USA. He was said to have sacked six gold medals in all six different categories. Fantastic indeed that he was called “The Grand Champion Performer of the World.” Not much, he was said to be arrayed into the Hall of Fame of the World as credited to his winning various awards by a single country. Plus the fact that he's the first Asian to win this Talent Olympics. Some more, every year he was commissioned to close and open the ceremony of the said event.

“It was a challenge for me because it is not easy to do remakes. When you revive a song, you have to give justice to the original but at the same time, you have to make it sound your own without compromising what the original composers and arrangers want.”

Jed Madela has four studio albums so far: I'll Be Around (2003), as being the debut album, Songs Rediscovered (2005), Only Human (2007) and Songs Rediscovered 2 (2009) in a whole new packaging, where he will be sharing later his turns and ideas about the said new album.

The vibrancy of his voice and the clear-as-glass to a crystal-clear vocal exodus enable one of the Philippine's pride to say in one of her interview, “Hindi siya tao! You cannot be human and produce the sound that he makes. You will understand why. I'm really hoping that there are seatbelts in your chairs, trust me, you are going to need them.” – Lea Salonga. So comely his voice is that it never did escape the record of Pinoy Song Magazine. Once upon a while, Jed graced your OPM Music Authority with his presence and musical ideology. He was caught on the record and on cam during our pictorial sessions with him, together with the other gentlemen who are fellow advocate of music, Jay-R and Richard Poon.

“Not to pay too much attention on competition but focusing on how you can improve your craft.”

“That I'm human,” he said as the record rolls when he was asked what we should know about Jed Madela. It would be a statement that might quote his album “Only Human.” Off-stage, Jed tries to recompose himself and went back to the usual mind set, “as soon as I step off the stage, I’m always back to my regular self. Also, I try to choose the people I hang out with, he said.”

Besides being a chocolate lover and hanging out with friends when he's of the platform, you'd rather caught him traveling as his coolest experience as an artist. Obviously, he’s been to travel to and fro of USA for his crowned performance at WCOPA, besides his local travels for concerts or leisure. Nevertheless, most of the time he stays at home as he said that he's a very domesticated person.

As he was doing so far, Jed dreamed of establishing an international career, “well, just like any local artist, I would like to explore and establish an international career,” he told us. Before anything else, he just wants bring his sound to a north-heading direction where he sees maturity, “to a more mature sound,” he asserts.

Jed's song line-ups are among the most coveted here and abroad, revived or not. But, even as an artist himself he tries to choose among the finest of the best songs to associate with himself. Let Me Love You (From The Bottom of My Heart) speaks something out of him as the one he has chosen and his very first single.

He's strict in standing with the principle of focusing on your craft or music instead of competition if one wants to engineer a musical relationship and career that is reputable. “Not to pay too much attention on competition but focusing on how you can improve your craft,” he points.

Before further bits from his thought, Jed hinted us on his sentiments about music piracy. “Yes. It’s sad to know that our artistic abilities are being limited to such a small scope. Also, if we are so hooked on pirated CDs and internet downloading, we deprive ourselves of the total package. That is why we really poured so much attention to the packaging of my latest album, SR2, so that the consumers will not only enjoy the music but appreciate the artistic input that was put into the album,” he asserts.


ALBUM TALKS

Let's talk about your latest full-length studio record, how do you feel this album differs from your earlier works?
Songs Rediscovered 2 is my 5th album with Universal Records and I think it’s my most personal album since they gave me the entire free-hand in the album; from the choosing of the songs, to the packaging and layout. The 16 tracks are songs that are really close to my heart and each one has a significant meaning to me.

How did you prepare for the new record?
Well, we carefully chose the songs to be included and since there were more than a hundred beautiful songs to choose from, it was a difficult task to narrow them down to 16. Also, we had to meet several times to plan on the look of the album, the artists to work with and the theme of the project.

How does your album reflect your personality?
Since I am known as a balladeer, most of the songs in the album are ballads that have had their share of popularity during the time they were released. Also, these are the songs I grew up with and have significant meaning to my life.

How easy or difficult did you think it was to do your album?
It was a challenge for me because it is not easy to do remakes. When you revive a song, you have to give justice to the original but at the same time; you have to make it sound your own without compromising what the original composers and arrangers want. Another challenge for us was the packaging because we really wanted to sway from the usual square jewel case.

How did you motivate yourself for each song on 'Songs Rediscovered'?
As an actor would with a script, I internalized and understood the “story” of each song. After that, I drew emotions from people around me and from past experiences.

Since you've done cover songs, what do you enjoy about playing covers? How do you decide on which songs would work well as Jed's songs?
Well, as I’ve said, it ain’t easy doing remakes. A lot has to be considered for it to be worth reviving. A consideration would be if the song would match my voice, my image and singing style.

How do you feel this album differs thematically or production wise from the previous albums?
Aside from the fact that Universal Records gave me the freehand on the decision making in all aspects of the project, this album is collectively coined as an all English OPM album.

Do you have any sort of tentative time frame in coming out an all-original album?
This solely depends on the recording label and the trend of the market.

'Everyday' is one of our favorite songs on the album. If you had limited power to make a video for the song and cast anyone in the lead role, who would the girl be?
Wow! There’s a lot to choose from. Just looking on the pool of lovely colleagues I have in ABS-CBN, it’s a big pool to choose from… Bea Alonzo, Kristine Hermosa, Anne Curtis, Nikki Gil.

Do you think that there is an advantage in going out and playing gigs and generating a buzz before actually releasing your album?
Yes. Simply because you are making the people know that a new project is underway.

How do you approach studio recording? Do you attempt to recreate your live sound on the record or vice versa?
There is a big difference with studio recording and live performances. Aside from the technical aspect, the studio is more of a controlled environment while in live performances; you are free to do whatever you want without holding back.

Of all the songs that you have on 'Songs Rediscovered 2', is there one song that means more to you than the others?
It’s hard to choose a single one since all 16 are personal choices from a long list of more than a hundred songs.

What moods do you want your listeners to take away upon listening to your album?
Stress? I just want the listeners to feel relaxed when they listen to my songs.

Did you have a lot of creative control with this album?
Yes. Very much.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks: Pinoy Song Magazine

NEY DIMACULANGAN’S PLAY WORLD

Meet Ney on his off the platform lifestyle. The vocal front man of the band 6cyclemind pops few of his play world gadgetries. More than just the microphone that echoes majestically his vocal sinews are the toys that complete his inner child. Check it out!



CELL PHONE
Model: Samsung Duos
Feats: Dual SIM
3 MPX Camera
FM Radio
Bluetooth
Expandable Memory

“My way of communication near or far. Texting, you can leave any messages to any people na puede n'yang mabasa immediately or later as soon as he checks his unit.” “Regarding my Samsung Dounble SIM, advisable sa akin kasi minsan may lakad out town na minsan walang signal yung isang network at least mayron akong back-up na isang SIM.”



WI-FI LOCATOR
Model: M Series
Feats: Locates Wi-Fi signal in a
considerable range.

“Hindi mo muna kailangan buksan yung laptop mo. Just one click, you'll know na there's a Wi-Fi signal. So, gusto mo nang buksan yung laptop mo.”



INVERTER
Model: CD-R King
Feats: It can transform DC 12V provided by cars into AC 220V, and be extensively used for electrical equipment with power no more than 150 Wats.

“Subrang maasahan ko. Minsan wala akong usual charger, yung usual plug na ginagamit ko sa bahay puede kung gamitin dito. Once na kaming nag pic-nic nagamit ko s'ya sa sound system namin.”



RADIO CONTROLED HELICOPTER (RTF - WHITE)
Model: E-SKY BELT-CP 6CH
Feats: Hold Rotation System, Tail Belt Drive System, High Efficiency Blades, Rear Tail Servo Stand, Super Iron Landing Skids, High Strength Carbon Fiber Tail Boom Support Set, Auto gyro.

“Pang relieve ko ng stress. It's a hobby! I started out with an airplane 6 feet long, then autos, helicopters just like this one, then boats made up of wood, ako mismo gumawa.”



LAPTOP
Model: HP Mini
Feats: VIA C7-M ULV Processor (up to 1.6 GHz, 128 KB L2 cache)
1 GB RAM
Wi-Fi Ready
Built-in Webcam
Bluetooth

“Ginamit ko s'ya pag out-of-town. Kailangan ko s'ya if I want to check my e-mails, then YM if want to talk to them. Very easy to use and very easy to carry. I use this also for gaming.”


TECH PHILOSOPHIES

Expensive yet with superb features, or simple yet inexpensive?
Well, just in the middle. It's just ok though it's expensive basta useful at tumatagal. So, kung bibili ka ng gadget doon ka na sa ok, kung 'di ok then doon sa pinakamalapit sa ok. Saka yung usefulness, 'yun yung pinaka importante. Aanhin mo naman yung 3G kung hangang text ka lang naman, so useless din lang s'ya.

How much are you willing to spend for gadgetries?
Depende. As a musician, yung gadgets for music, ok ako dyan. Yun yung buhay ko eh, kaya willing din akong mag-invest para d'yan. Out of ten thousand na budget, fifty percent ang para sa gadgets; kasi kailangan ko rin sa life style ko. It's just, ok invest on it as long as you can use it and it's useful to you.

♫♫♫

KEAN CIPRIANO'S GIG BAG

Pinoy Mag unzipped Callalily's frontman Kean Cipriano's gig bag. Here are his few favorite personal belongings that he brings during his live performances, here and everywhere. He wouldn't last a day without these, so take a sneak peek!



PERFUME (CURV)
“Paborito ko na pabango 'yan. S'yempre, kailangan ko ng pabango para sa gig at kahit saan man ako pumunta.”


MOUTHWASH
“S'yempre para good breath.”


TOOTHBRUSH
“Para pag out-of-town s'yempre kailangang mag-toothbrush.”


BUBBLE GUM
“For stress relief kung kinakabahan ka. At kung pagkatapos kumain then walang way para mag-tooth brush.”


PLAYING CARDS
“Recently lang namin na discover ng mga ka-banda ko 'yan. S'yempre tagal naming naghihintay eh sa gig, sa shoot o kung saan man, para hindi kami ma-bored, naglalaro kami; Pusoy Dos or Tong-its.”



CAR KEYS
“S'yempre kailangan ko 'yan, susi ng kotse ko 'yan eh.”



SHADES
“I think every musician kailangan ng shades. Ang main purpose n'ya ay para 'di ka mainitan, pero para sa akin kasi ang primary purpose ko n'yan, palagi kasi akong puyat, so kailangan kung i-cover up y'ung mata ko.



BOOK (THE ALCHEMIST)
“Just to kill boredom. Kung walang magawa, ah I know ito na y'ung gagawin ko.”



CAP
“Pag bad hair day, ito ginagamit ko. But mostly bad hair days ako kaya suot-suot ko s'ya palagi.”



EXTRA SHIRT
“Para kapag pinagpawisan ako, s'yempre may extra shirt ako to put on.”



iPOD Video
“Syempre kapag biyahe, dalawa lang 'yan eh, kwentuhan or Ipod.”


DIGITAL CAMERA
“Nabili ko 'yan siguro June of last year, regalo ko sa sarili ko nung birthday ko. Hindi naman ako mahilig kumuha ng litrato, binili ko s'ya kasi nagto-tour kami eh. Gusto ko may memories y'ung bawat napupuntahan.”

♫♫♫